




















The Rules of Golf 


soon 


Preface 
Definitions . 

General and Through Green 
Hazards and Casual Water 
Puffing Green 
General Penalty . , 

Disputes . . , 

Local Rules . . . i 

Form of Golf Gubs . t 
Etiquette of Golf . » f 

Match Play Rules .1$ 

Three-Ball Matches W 

Best-Ball Matches ft 

Four-Ball Matches ft 

Stroke Competitions ft 

Bogey Competitions ft 
D.S.G.A. Par Distances ft 


JUL -71914 

©CI.A377228 Cy 



















r 



This little book is intended for the beginner in Golf, 
as a means of self-examination in the Rules of Golf. 

Query: What is a beginner? 

The questions are confined to the published Rules of 
the United States Golf Association and are intended to 
cover every point in those Rules. 

It is hoped that the repeated re-reading of these ques¬ 
tions, in connection with the study of the Rules, will lead 
to a readier knowledge and a stricter observance of the 
Rules on the part of the beginner and of others. 

If any apology for the publication of this booklet be 
needed, it will be found in the very common ignorance 
of the Rules of Golf existing among all classes of begin¬ 
ners, from those of only four or five years’ experience 
to those of ten years or more, members of which last 
class will still occasionally be heard to inquire what the 

penalty is for striking the flag-stick in 
Match Play, etc. 

The answers to the questions might 
have been printed in a brief form, but 
it was felt that this would interfere 
with the thorough study of the Book 
of Rules, which it is the object of this 
little book to foster. C. G. C. 

New York, June, 1914. 
















Questions Upon the Rules of Golf 


DEFINITIONS 


(1) What is a “side”? A “single”? A“ threesome”? 
A “foursome”? 

What is a three-ball match ? A four-ball match ? 
A best ball match? See Page 18. 

(2) What is “advice”? Three forms? Rule as to 
anyone’s indicating line to hole ? See Rule 4, Match 
Play, and Rule 6, Stroke Competition. 

(3) What is the “course”? More particularly? 

(4) Define “teeing-ground.” How indicated? In¬ 
cludes what? 

(5) Define “through the green.” 

(6) Define “hazard” 

Is sand blown on grass or sprinkled 
on the course for its preserva¬ 
tion a hazard ? Bare patches ? 
Sheep - tracks ? Snow and ice ? 
Heather? Bent? Long grass ? 
What is a “bunker” ? 

(7) Define “casual water.” Define 
“water” in term “casual water.” 

(8) Define “out of bounds.” 

(9) When is a ball “out of 
bounds” ? 

(10) Define “putting-green.” 

(11) Diameter and depth of hole ? 
Diameter and depth of metal lining? 

(12) Define “loose impediments.” 
What does the term include ? 

Are loose stones “loose impedi¬ 
ments ?” 

Embedded rocks ? Sand boxes at 
tee ? Live worms ? May the last be 
lifted ? 

(13) Define “stroke.” 

4 







? 





When has a ball moved ? Exception 
in case of ball accidentally knocked from 
tee? See Rule 2(1). 

(14) Define “penalty stroke.” Does it 
affect rotation of play ? 

(15) Define “the honour.” 

(16) How tee a ball? 

Is there a specified manner of “placing 

a ball” ? 

May it be dropped ? (See Rule 8). 

(1 7) When has a player “addressed” the 
ball ? In a hazard ? 

(18) When is a ball in play? Exception? 

(19) When is a ball deemed to move? 

(20) When is a ball “lost”? 

(21) Define “the odd,” “two more,” 
“three more,” “one off three,” “one off 
two,” “the like.” When isa side “dormie”? 

What is the function of an umpire? Of a referee ? 


GENERAL AND THROUGH THE GREEN 


RULE 1 

(1) Describe “the mode of play.” 

(2) What is a match ? When 
won? When halved ? 

What matches have precedence 
of and are entitled to pass any 
other kind of match ? 

Standing of a single player? 

Of a match playing a whole 
round and a match playing a 
shorter round? Of a match failing 
to keep its place ? 

How are two players playing 
a single ball treated ? 

RULE 2 

(1) How does a match begin? 

Rule as to a ball played outside 
of limits of teeing-ground ? 

5 













As to a ball falling or 
knocked off a tee by player 
in addressing it ? As to such 
a ball struck while moving? 

Rule as to a ball played outside of 
limits of teeing-ground in Stroke Com¬ 
petition ? Penalty for breach of this Rule ? 
(See Rule 7 for Stroke Competition.) 

(2) Rule as to the option of taking 
the honour at the first teeing-ground ? 
As to playing out of turn? Honour 
at following teeing-ground ? At the 
beginning of a new match ? 

RULE 3 

Rule as to the order of play at tee- 
ing-grounds in threesomes and four¬ 
somes? Penalty for violation of the 
Rule in Match Play ? In Stroke Competition ? Does 
a penalty stroke affect the rotation of play? 

RULE 4 

(1) Rule as to asking or receiving advice? Exception 
to Rule? Penalty in Match Play? In Stroke Com¬ 
petition ? 

(2) Rule as to right of player to ascertain from 
opponent the number of strokes the latter has played ? 
Penalty for giving wrong information ? 

(3) Rule as to advice from 
a forecaddie ? Penalty in Match 
Play ? In Stroke Competition ? 

(4) Rule as to indicating line 
of play? Penalty in Match 
Play? In Stroke Competition? 

RULE 5 

How must a ball be struck 
at? Penalty in Match Play? 

In Stroke Competition? 









RULE 6 

Rule as to playing a ball where- 
ever it lies ? Penalty in Match 
Play ? In Stroke Competition ? (See 
Rule 1 1, Stroke Competition.) 

RULE 7 

Rule as to ball farther from hole 
played first ? (On putting-green, see 
Rule 31 (2) and Rule 1, “Special Rules 
for Match Play.”) See also Rule 2 (2) 
for Match Play. 

RULE 8 

How “drop” a ball? Penalty in 
Match Play ? In Stroke Competition ? 

If ball touch player ? If it roll into 
a hazard? 

(1) Rule as to touching a ball in play? Penalty 
in Match Play ? In Stroke Competition ? As to 
touching a ball in addressing it? Rule as to lifting a 
ball for identification ? 

Penalty in Match or Stroke Play if 
a player or his caddie move his ball 
while searching for it? (Rule if an 
opponent or his caddie move player’s 
ball while searching for it ? See Rule 

22 (3). ) 

(2) Rule as to a ball moved by oppo¬ 
nent’s ball through the green or in a 
hazard? On putting-green, see Rule 32 
(2) for Match Play and Rule 13 (2) for 
Stroke Play? 

RULE 10 

Rule as to pressing down or remov¬ 
ing irregularities of surface? As to a 
player’s taking a firm stance ? Penalty 
for breach of this Rule in Match Play ? 
In Stroke Competition ? 

7 












RULE 11 

Rule as to removal of obstructions ? 
What obstructions may be moved ? Rule 
as to a ball moved in removing such ob¬ 
structions? As to a ball lying 
on or touching such ob- 
° structions; or clothes or 
nets; or ground under re¬ 
pair, covered up or opened 
for upkeep of course; or 
lying in one of the holes, 
or in a guide- 
flag hole, or 
a hole 
made 
by the 
green- 
keeper? 

As to a ball lifted in a hazard in such circumstances ? 
Rule as to a ball lying on or within a club s length of 
drain-cover, water-pipe or hydrant ? If it be impossible 
to drop the ball in conformity with this interpretation? 

Rule as to a ball lodging in or lying on a pile or 
mound of cut grass resulting from the mowing of the 
course, or any other material piled for removal ? 




RULE 12 

(1) Rule as to removal of loose impediments 
within a club’s length of ball ? In or touching 
a hazard? As to a ball’s moving after such 
loose impediment has been touched by the 
player, his partner or either of their caddies ? 
Penalty in Match Play? In a Stroke Competition? 

(2) Moving a loose impediment lying more 
than a club’s length from the ball? Penalty in 
Match Play? In Stroke Play? For loose im¬ 
pediments on putting-green, see Rule 28 (1). 

(3) Rule as to player’s ball accidentally 
moved by player, his partner, or either of 


8 


a 













their caddies ? Penalty in Match Play ? In 
Stroke Competition? (For player’s ball 
moved by an opponent, etc., see Rule 18, 

Match Play. See also Rule 16.) 

(4) Rule if a ball move after the player 
grounds his club, or, in a hazard, takes 
his stance ? Penalty in Match Play ? In 
Stroke Competition ? 

NOTE.—Rule if player has removed a 
loose impediment and ball does not move until after he 
has grounded his club ? 

Method of removing a mole-hill or a mole-track ? 



RULE 13 

Rule as to a player playing his ball while it is 
moving ? Penalty in Match Play ? In Stroke Competition ? 

Rule in case of teed ball ? (Rule 2) Or a ball struck 
twice? (Rule 14) Or of ball moving in water? (Rule 26). 

Rule in case ball begins to move only while player 
is making backward or forward swing ? 

RULE 14 



Penalty for striking ball twice in 
Match Play? In Stroke Compe¬ 
tition? 

RULE 15 

Penalty for moving, bending, 
or breaking any¬ 
thing fixed or 
growing, in 
Match Play? 
In Stroke 
Compe¬ 
tition ? 




9 














Exception as to taking stance or 
making backward or forward 
swing. 

How may a club be grounded? 
Penalty for drawing a club back¬ 
ward and forward across line of 
play, in Match Play ? Jn Stroke 
Competition ? 

Penalty for grounding a 
club with undue pressure ? 

Rule as to taking prac¬ 
tice swings ? 

RULE 16 

Rule as to lifting a ball lying within a club’s length 
of another “through the green” or in a hazard ? 

Rule if either ball be moved accidentally in comply¬ 
ing with this Rule? 

Rule if the lie of the lifted ball be changed in 
playing the other ball ? 

RULE 17 

(1) Rule as to a ball in motion being stopped or 
deflected by any agency outside the match or by a 
forecaddie? Penalty for breach of Rule in Match Play? 
In Stroke Competition? 

(2) Rule as to a ball’s lodging in anything moving ? 
If on putting-green ? Penalty for breach of Rule in 
Match Play? In Stroke Competition? 

(3) Rule as to a ball at rest being displaced by any 
agency outside of match except wind ? On putting- 

green ? Penalty for breach 
of Rule in Match Play ? 
In Stroke Competition ? 

RULE 18 

Rule in Match Play if 
a player’s ball, 
when in motion, 
be interfered with 



10 




in any way by an 
opponent, or his cad¬ 
die, or his clubs? 

Rule if a player’s 
ball, when at rest, be 
moved by an oppo¬ 
nent, or his caddie, 
or his clubs ? For 
exceptions, see pro¬ 
visions of Rules 9 
(2), 16, 22 (3), 31 (0,32(2), 



and 


(For penalty in 
Stroke Competi¬ 
tion, see Rules 10 
and 13.) 


RULE 19 

Rule if a player’s ball strike or be stopped by 
himself, or his partner, or either of their caddies, 
or their clubs ? Penalty in Match Play ? In Stroke 
Competition, except as provided for in Stroke Rule 13 (1). 

RULE 20 

(1) Rule in Match Play if a player play opponent’s 
ball unless: 

(a) The opponent then play the player’s ball ? 

(b) The mistake occur through wrong information 
given by an opponent or his caddie ? 

Flow may mistake be rectified in case (b)? 

Rule as to playing wrong ball in Stroke Competition 

(1) “through the green” (2) in a hazard? Rule as to 
playing wrong ball on the putting-green ? 

(2) Rule in Match Play as to 
player’s playing the ball of any¬ 
one not engaged in the Match ? 

(For Rule in Stroke Com¬ 
petition, see Stroke Rule 8(1), 

(2) and (3). 


RULE 21 

Rule if a ball be “lost 
Match Play? Exceptions ? 
For Rule in Stroke 


»t » 

in 


Competition, see Stroke Rule 12. 

II 





















RULE 22 

(1) Rule as to looking for a ball lying in fog, bent, 
bushes, long grass, or the like? Penalty? 

(2) Looking for ball entirely covered by sand? Penalty? 

(3) As to a player or his caddie accidentally touching 
or moving opponent’s ball while searching for it ? 

Penalty for breach of Rule in Match Play ? In Stroke 
Competition? Compare also Match Play Rule 12 (3). 


RULE 23 

(1) Rule if ball lie out of bounds? (a) when driven 
from tee ; (b) in other cases? Penalty (See also “ Recom¬ 
mendations for Local Rules, last line of paragraph I ) ? 

Procedure if it is doubtful that a ball be out of bounds ? 
Ruling of U. S. G. A. ? 

(2) Rule as to playing a provisional ball in case 
it is doubtful that the first ball be out of bounds ? 

(3) Rule as to a player’s right to ascertain whether 
or not his opponent’s ball is out of bounds? 

(4) Right of player to stand out of bounds to play ball lying 
within bounds ? 

RULE 24 



Rule if a ball split into 
separate pieces ? If it 
crack or become unfit 
for play? Does mud 
adheringto ball render 
it “unfit to play ?” • 


Penalty in Match 
Play for cleaning a 
ball ? In Stroke Com¬ 
petition ? 


12 


(Quiz Book continued on page 13) 



















THE RULES OF GOLF 

As Approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, September, 1912, 
and as adopted by the United States Golf Association January 11, 1913. 
Effective February 1, 1913. 

Together with Recommendations, Form and Make of Golf 
Clubs, Etiquette, Special Rules for Match Play Competi¬ 
tions, Rules for Three-Ball, Best Ball and Four-Ball 
Matches, Special Rules for Stroke Competitions. 

PREFACE 

The United States Golf Association, in making these Rulings 
and Interpretations, has made few changes in the wording, or in 
the import, of the Rules of Golf, as adopted by the Royal and 
Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, and has only added such 
definitions and explanations as appeared to be called for, or 
suggested by custom and decisions of competent experts. 

The Interpretations and Decisions marked R. & A. have been 
taken from the decisions as rendered by the Rules of Golf Com¬ 
mittee of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and are used with 
their permission. 


DEFINITIONS 

(1) A “side” consists either of one player or of two players. 
If one player play against another the match is called “a single.” 
If two play against two, each side playing one ball, the match is 
called “a foursome.” If one play against two playing one ball 
between them, the match is called a “threesome.” 

(2) “Advice” is any counsel or suggestion which could in¬ 
fluence a player in determining the line of play, in the choice of 
a club, or in the method of making a stroke. 

A player may ask anyone to indicate the line to the hole before the shot is 
played. (R. & A.) 

(3) The “Course” is the whole area within which play is per¬ 
mitted ; more particularly, it is the ground between the holes 
which is specially prepared for play. 

(4) The “teeing-ground” is the starting place for a hole. The 
front of each teeing-ground shall be indicated by two marks 
placed in a line as nearly as possible at right angles to the line 
of play, and the teeing-ground shall include a rectangular space 
of the depth of two club lengths directly behind the line indicated 
by the two marks. 

(5) “Through the green" is all ground on which play is per¬ 
mitted, except hazards and the putting-green of the hole that is 
being played. 

(6) A “hazard” is any bunker, water (except casual water), 
ditch (unless accepted by Local Rule), bush, sand, path or road. 
Sand blown on to the grass, or sprinkled on the course for its 


preservation, bare patches, sheep tracks, snow, and ice are not 
hazards. 

Heather is not a hazard. (R. & A.) 

Bent is not a hazard. (R. &A.) 

Long Grass is not a hazard unless within the boundaries of a hazard. (R. & A.) 
A “Bunker” is a depression in the ground where the natural soil is exposed, 
and sometimes top dressed with softer soil or sand. It is the duty of the 
authorities in charge of the golf course to define its hazards by local rules. 
(R. & A.) 

(7) “Casual water” is any temporary accumulation of water 
(whether caused by rainfall, flooding, or otherwise) which is not 
one of the ordinary and recognized hazards of the course. 

The definition of "water” in the term "Casual water” is any water which 
interferes with the lie of the ball or the stance of the player. (R. & A.) 

(8) “Out of bounds” is all ground on which play is prohibited. 

(9) A ball is “out of bounds” when the greater part of it lies 
within a prohibited area. 

(10) The “putting-green” is all ground, except hazards, with¬ 
in twenty yards of the hole. 

(11) The hole shall be 4 T £ inches in diameter, and at least 4 
inches deep. If a metal lining be used, it shall be sunk below the 
lip of the hole, and its outer diameter shall not exceed 4 % inches. 

(12) The term “loose impediments” denotes any obstructions 
not fixed or growing, and includes dung, worm-casts, mole-hills, 
snow and ice. 

Loose Stones are "Loose Impediments.” (R. & A.) 

Rocks embedded in the ground come under the head of "things fixed. ” 
Rule 15. (R. & A.) 

A sand box placed at a teeing-ground is a "loose impediment.” (R. & A.) 

A live worm is a "loose impediment” and may be lifted. (R. & A.) 

(13) A “stroke” is the forward movement of the club made 
with the intention of striking the ball, or any contact between 
the head of the club and the ball, resulting in movement of the 
ball, except in case of a ball accidentally knocked off a tee 
(Rule 2 (1). ) 

If a ball leaves its original position when the player has taken his stance in 
addressing the ball and moves in the slightest degree and does not merely 
oscillate, it has moved, and the movement constitutes a stroke, not a penalty 
stroke. (R&A.) 

(14) A “penalty stroke” is a stroke added to the score of a 
side under certain rules and does not affect the rotation of play. 

(15) The side which plays off first from a teeing-ground is 
said to have the “honour.” 

(16) In “teeing,” the ball may be placed on the ground, or on 
sand or other substance, in order to raise it off the ground. 

There is no specified method of placing a ball, and the player is at liberty 
to drop it. (it. & A.) 

(17) A player has “addressed the ball” when he has taken 
his stance and grounded his club, or, if in a hazard, when he has 
taken his stance preparatory to striking at the ball. 

(18) A ball is “in play” as soon as the player has made a 
stroke at a teeing-ground, and it remains in play until holed out, 
except when lifted in accordance with the rules. 

2r 


(19) A ball is deemed to "move if it leave its original posi¬ 
tion in the least degree; but it is not considered to “move” if it 
merely oscillate and come to rest in its original position. 

(20) A ball is “lost ’ if it be not found within five minutes 
after the search for it has begun. 

(21) The reckoning of strokes is kept by the terms—“the 
odd, ‘two more,” “three more,” etc., and “one off three," 

one off two, “the like. ’ The reckoning of holes is kept by 
the termsj—so many “holes up,” or “all even,” and so many 
to play. A side is said to be “dormie” when it is as many 
holes up as there are holes remaining to be played. 

(22) An “umpire” decides questions of fact; a “referee" 
decides questions of Golfing Law. 

GENERAL AND THROUGH THE GREEN 

RULE 1 ^ 0 The Game of Golf is played by two sides, each 

playing its own ball, with clubs made in conformity 
with the directions laid down in the clause on the “Form and 
Make of Golf Clubs. ” The game consists in each side playing 
a ball from a teeing-ground into a hole by successive strokes. 
The hole is won by the side which holes its ball in fewer strokes 
than the opposing side, except as otherwise provided for in the 
Rules. The hole is halved if both sides hole out in the same 
number of strokes. 

(2) A match consists of one round of the course unless it be 
otherwise agreed. A match is won by the side which is leading 
by a number of holes greater than the number of holes remain¬ 
ing to be played. A match is halved if each side win the same 
number of holes. Matches constituted of singles, threesomes, 
or foursomes shall have precedence of and be entitled to pass 
any other kind of match. A single player has no standing, and 
shall always give way to a match of any kind. Any match play¬ 
ing a whole round shall be entitled to pass a match playing a 
shorter round. If a match fail to keep its place on the green, 
and lose in distance more than one clear hole on the players in 
front, it may be passed, on request being made. 

Two players playing a single ball are treated as a single player. (R. & A.) 

RIJI F 2 (0 A match begins by each side playing a ball 

from the first teeing-ground. A ball played from 
outside the limits of the teeing-ground may be at once recalled by 
the opposing side, and may be re-teed without penalty. If a 
ball, when not in play, fall off a tee, or be knocked off a tee by 
the player in addressing it, it may be re-teed without penalty; 
if the ball be struck when so moving, no penalty shall be 
incurred. 

In Stroke Competition if a competitor play his first stroke from outside the 
limits of the teeing-ground, he shall count that stroke, tee a ball, and play 
his second stroke from within these limits. The penalty for a breach of this 
Rule shall be disqualification. (R. & A.) 

(2) The option of taking the honour at the first teeing-ground 
shall, if necessary, be decided by lot. A ball played by a player 

3r 


when his opponent should have had the honour may be at once 
recalled by the opposing side, and may be re-teed without pen¬ 
alty. The side which wins a hole shall take the honour at the 
next teeing-ground. If a hole has been halved, the side which 
had the honour at the previous teeing-ground shall retain it. 
On beginning a new match, the winner of the long match in the 
previous round shall take the honour; if the previous long match 
was halved, the side which last won a hole shall take the honour. 

RTII F I n a threesome or foursome the partners shall strike 
off alternately from the teeing-grounds, and shall 
strike alternately during the play of each hole. If a player play 
when his partner should have played, his side shall lose the hole. 

In Stroke Competition violation of this rule is disqualification. (R. & A.) 
In Match Play, loss of the hole. (R. & A.). 

A penalty stroke does not affect the rotation of play. (R. & A.) 

RULE 4 CD A player may not ask for nor willingly receive 
advice from anyone except his own caddie, his 
partner or his partner’s caddie. 

An exception to this rule is that anyone can indicate the line to the hole. 
(R. & A.) 

In Stroke Competition the penalty is disqualification. CR. & A.) 

In Match Play the penalty is the loss of the hole. (R. & A.) 

(2) A player is entitled at any time during the play of a hole 
to ascertain from his opponent the number of strokes the latter 
has played; if the opponent give wrong information as to the 
number of strokes he has played, he shall lose the hole unless 
he correct his mistake before the player has played another 
stroke. 

(3) A player may employ a forecaddie, but may not receive 
advice from him. 

In Match Play the penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of 
the hole. 

In Stroke Competition the penalty for a breach of this rule shall be dis¬ 
qualification. 

(4) When playing through the green, or from a hazard, a 
player may have the line to the hole indicated to him, but no 
mark shall be placed, nor shall anyone stand on the proposed 
line, in order to indicate it. while the stroke is being made. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule in Stroke Competition shall be the 
loss of two strokes. 

RULE 5 The ball must be fairly struck at with the head of 
the club, not pushed, scraped nor spooned. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule in Stroke Competition shall be two 
strokes. 

RULE 6 ^ must t>e played wherever it lies or the hole 

be given up, except as otherwise provided for in 
the Rules and Local Rules. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. (See Rule 11, Stroke 
Competition.) 


4r 


pi || r 7 When the balls are in play, the ball farther from 
the hole shall be played first. Through the green, 
or in a hazard, if a player play when his opponent should have 
played, the opponent may at once recall the stroke. A ball so 
recalled shall be dropped as near as possible to the place where 
it lay, without penalty. For teeing ground, see Rule 2 (2); for 
putting green, see Rule 31 (2). 

RIII F a A ball shall be dropped in the following manner: 

The player himself shall drop it. He shall face the 
hole, stand erect, and drop the ball behind him over his shoulder. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of the two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

If, in the act of dropping, the ball touch the player, he shall 
incur no penalty, and, if it roll into a hazard, the player may 
re-drop the ball without penalty. 

RULE 9 P ) A ball in play may not be touched before the hole 
*■ is played out, except as provided for in the Rules. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be one stroke in Match or Stroke 
Competition. 

The player may, without penalty, touch his ball with his club 
in the act of addressing it, provided he does not move the ball. 
A ball in play may, with the opponent’s consent, be lifted for the 
purpose of identification, but it must be carefully replaced. 

If in searching for a ball a player or his caddie move it, the penalty is the 
loss of one stroke in Match or Stroke Play. (R. & A.) 

(2) If the player’s ball move the opponent’s ball through the 
green, or in a hazard, the opponent, if he choose, may drop a 
ball, without penalty, as near as possible to the place where his 
ball lay, but this must be done before another stroke is played 
by either side. 

RULE 10 through the green, irregularities of sur¬ 

face which could in any way affect the player’s 
stroke shall not be removed nor pressed down by the player, his 
partner or either of their caddies; a player is, however, always 
entitled to place his feel firmly on the ground when taking his 
stance. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

RULE 11 ^ ny flag-stick, guide-flag, movable guide-post, 
wheelbarrow, tool, roller, grass-cutter, box, vehicle 
or similar obstruction may be removed. A ball moved in re¬ 
moving such an obstruction shall be replaced without penalty. 
A ball lying on or touching such an obstruction, or lying on or 
touching clothes, or nets, or ground under repair or covered up 
or opened for the purpose of the upkeep of the course, or lying 
in one of the holes, or in a guide-flag hole, or in a hole made by 
the greenkeeper, may be lifted and dropped without penalty as 
near as possible to the place where it lay, but not nearer to the 
hole. A ball lifted in a hazard under such circumstances shall 
be dropped in the hazard. 

If a ball lie on or within a club’s length of a drain-cover, water-pipe or hy¬ 
drant, located on the course, it may be lifted and dropped without penalty, 
as near as possible to the place where it lay, but not nearer the hole--as near 

5r 


as possible shall mean--“within a club’s length.” If it be impossible for 
want of space or other cause for a player to drop the ball in conformity with 
this interpretation, he shall place the ball as nearly as possible within the 
limits laid down in this interpretation, but not nearer the hole. (U. S. G. A ) 
A pile or mound of cut grass resulting from the mowing of the course or any 
other material piled for removal is considered to be upkeep. A ball lodging 
in or lying on such an obstruction may be lifted and dropped without penalty. 
(U. S. G. A.) 

RIIIF 1 9 (1) Any loose impediment lying within a club 

length of the ball and not being in or touching a 
hazard may be removed without penalty; if the ball move after 
any such loose impediment has been touched by the player, his 
partner, or either of their caddies, the player shaH be deemed to 
have caused the ball to move and the penalty shall be one stroke 
in both Match and Stroke Competition. 

(2) A loose impediment lying more than a club length from 
the ball may not be moved under penalty of the loss of the hole 
in Match Play and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition, 
unless the loose impediment lie on the putting green. (See Rule 
28 (1).) 

(3) When a ball is in play, if a player, or his partner, or either 
of their caddies, accidentally move his or their ball, or by touch¬ 
ing anything cause it to move, the penalty shall be one stroke in 
both Match and Stroke Competition. 

(4) If a ball in play move after the player has grounded his 
club in the act of addressing it, or, if a ball in play beins' in a 
hazard move after the player has taken his stance to play it, he 
shall be deemed to have caused it to move, and the penalty 
shall be one stroke in both Match and Stroke Competition. 

NOTE.—If the player has lifted a loose impediment, see Rules 
12 (1) and 28 (I), and the ball has not moved until the player 
has grounded his club, he shall only be deemed to have caused 
the ball to move under Section (4) of this Rule, and the penalty 
shall be one stroke in both Match and Stroke Competition. 

A mole-hill or mole-track may be removed from the fair green in any way 
which will not unnecessarily interfere with the surface of the green. 
(U. S. G. A.) 

RIJI F 1A player shall not play while his ball is moving, 
under the penalty of the loss of the hole in Match 
Play and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition, except 
in the case of a teed ball (Rule 2), or a ball struck twice (Rule 
14), or a ball in water (Rule 26). When the ball only begins to 
move while the player is making his backward or forward swing, 
he shall incur no penalty under this Rule, but he is not exempted 
from the provisions of Rule 12 (1), or Rule 28 (1), and of Rule 
12 (3) and (4). 

RULE 14 ^ a P !a y er > w ^ en making a stroke, in both Match 
and Stroke Competition, strike the ball twice, the 
penalty shall be one stroke, but he shall incur no further penalty 
by reason of his having played while his ball was moving. 

Before striking at a ball in play, a player shall not 
move, bend, nor break anything fixed or growing, 

6r 


RULE 15 


except so far as is necessary to enable him fairly to take his 
Stance in addressing the ball, or in making his backward or for¬ 
ward swing. The club may only be grounded lightly, and not 
pressed on the ground. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

A player may take a practice swing or swings after the ball is in play, more 
than a club’s length from the b-11 (U. S. G. A.) 

In grounding a club, a player may only ground his club lightly. Drawing it 
back and forward across the line of play is illegal and entails a penalty of the 
loss of the hole in Match Play and a penalty of two strokes in Stroke Com¬ 
petition. 

Under pressure in grounding a club entails a like penalty. (R. & A.) 

RULE 16 the balls he within a club length of each 

other through the green or in a hazard, the ball 
lying nearer to the hole may, at the option of either the player or 
the opponent, be lifted until the other ball is played, and shall 
then be replaced as near as possible to the place where it lay. If 
either ball be accidentally moved in complying with this Rule, no 
penalty shall be incurred, and the ball so moved shall be 
replaced. If the lie of the lifted ball be altered in playing the 
other ball, the lifted ball may be placed as near as possible to 
the place where it lay and in a lie similar to that which it origin¬ 
ally occupied. 

RULE 17 (1) If a ball in motion be stopped or deflected by 

any agency outside the match, or by a forecaddie, 
it is a rub of the green, and the ball shall be played from the 
spot where it lies. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

(2) If a ball lodge in anything moving, a ball shall be dropped, 
or, if on the putting-green, placed, as near as possible to the 
place where the object was when the ball lodged in it, without 
penalty. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

(3) If a ball at rest be displaced by any agency outside the 
match, except wind, the player shall drop a ball as near as pos¬ 
sible to the place where it lay, without penalty; and if the ball 
be displaced on the putting-green, it shall be replaced without 
penalty. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

RIII F 1ft If a player’s ball, when in motion, be interfered 
with in any way by an opponent, or his caddie, or 
his clubs, the opponent's side shall lose the hole. 

NOTE—If a player’s ball, when at rest, be moved by an op¬ 
ponent, or his caddie, or his clubs, the opponent’s side shall lose 
the hole, except as provided for in Rules 9 (2), 16, 22 (3), 3 1 (1), 
32 (2), and 33. 

RITI F IQ If a player’s ball strike, or be stopped by himself, 

KULE. or p ar t neri or either of their caddies or their 

clubs, his side shall lose the hole in Match Play, and the loss of 

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one stroke in Stroke Competition, except as provided for in 
Stroke Rule 13 (1). 

diti r * on (1) If a player play the opponent's ball his side 
shall lose the hole in Match Play unless : (a) The 

opponent then play the player’s ball, in which case the penalty 
is cancelled in Match Play, and the hole shall be played out with 
the balls thus exchanged, (b) The mistake occur through wrong 
information given by an opponent or his caddie, in which case 
there shall be no penalty in Match Play; if the mistake be dis¬ 
covered before the opponent has played, it shall be rectified by 
dropping a ball as near as possible to the place where the oppo¬ 
nent’s ball lay. 

In Stroke Competition, if a competitor play a stroke with a ball other than his 
own, he shall incur no penalty, provided that he then plays his own ball, but 
if he plays two consecutive strokes with a wrong ball, he shall be disqualified. 
In a hazard, if a competitor play more than one stroke with a ball other than 
his own, and the mistake be discovered before he has played a stroke with 
the wrong ball, from outside the limits of the hazard, he shall incur no penalty, 
provided he then plays his own ball. The penalty for a breach of this rule 
shall be disqualification. (See Rule 8, rules for play in Stroke Competition.) 

On the putting-green the ball shall be replaced. 

(2) If a player in Match Play play a stroke with the ball of 
anyone not engaged in the match, and the mistake be discov¬ 
ered and intimated to his opponent before his opponent has 
played his next stroke, there shall be no penalty; if the mistake 
be not discovered and so intimated until after the opponent has 
played his next stroke, the player’s side shall lose the hole. 

RULE 21 ^ a be lost, except in water, casual water, 
or out of bounds, the player’s side shall lose the 
hole, unless it is afterwards discovered that the opponent’s ball 
is also lost, when the hole shall be halved. 

In Stroke Competition see Rule 12, rules for Stroke Competitions. 

RULE 22 d) If a ball I* e * n f° g ’ bent, bushes, long grass, or 
the like, only so much thereof shall be touched as 
will enable the player to find his ball. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of a stroke in both 
Match Play and Stroke Competition. 

(2) If a ball be completely covered by sand, only so much 
thereof may be removed as will enable the player to see the top 
of the ball; if the ball be touched in removing the sand, no pen¬ 
alty shall be incurred. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

(3) If a player or his caddie when searching for an opponent’s 
ball accidentally touch or move it, no penalty shall be incurred, 
and the ball, if moved, shall be replaced. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

RULE 9 3 (P If a ball I' e out °f bounds, the player shall play 
“ his next stroke as nearly as possible at the spot from 
which the ball which is out of bounds was played. If the ball 
was played out of bounds from the teeing-ground the player may 

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tee a ball for his next stroke ; in every other case the ball shall 
be dropped. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and disqualification in Stroke Competition. 

If it is doubtful that a ball be out of bounds, the player who played it is not 
entitled to presume that it is out of bounds until he has made a search of five 
minutes for it. Meanwhile his opponent may make a search of five minutes 
for the ball within bounds, and if the ball is not found within that time, the 

E laver who struck the ball shall be given the benefit of the doubt, and the 
all shall be considered “out of bounds." (U. S. G. A.) 

(2) In order to save delay, if a player after making a stroke be 
doubtful whether his ball is out of bounds or not, he may at once 
play another ball, as provided for in paragraph (1) of this rule, but 
if it be discovered that the first ball is not out of bounds, it shall 
continue in play without penalty. On reaching the place where 
the first ball is likely to be, if the player or his opponent be still in 
doubt, the player is not entitled to presume that the first ball is 
out of bounds till he has made a search of five minutes. (3) A 
player has the right at any time of ascertaining whether his op¬ 
ponent s ball is out of bounds or not, before his opponent can 
compel him to continue his play. (4) A player may stand out of 
bounds to play a ball lying within bounds. 

RULE 24 ^ a s Pht into separate pieces, another ball may 
be dropped where any piece lies. If a ball crack 
or becomes unfit for play, the player may change it on intimating 
to his opponent his intention to do so. Mud adhering to a ball 
shall not be considered as making it unfit for play. 

Cleaning a ball when in play entails a penalty of disqualification in Stroke 
Competition and the loss of the hole in Match Play, except under special 
rulings of local rules by Committee in charge. (U. S. G. 4.) 

HAZARDS AND CASUAL WATER 

RULE 25 When a ball lies in or touches a hazard, nothing 
shall be done which can in anyway improve its lie; 
the club shall not touch the ground, nor shall anything be touched 
or moved, before the player strikes at the ball, subject to the fol¬ 
lowing exceptions : (1) The player may place his feet firmly on 
the ground for the purpose of taking his stance; (2) in address¬ 
ing the ball, or in the backward or forward swing, any grass, 
bent, bush, or other growing substance, or the side of a bunker, 
wall, paling, or other immovable obstacle may be touched ; (3) 
stepc or planks placed in a hazard by the Green Committee for 
access to or egress from such hazard, or any obstruction men¬ 
tioned in Rule 1 1, may be removed, and if a ball be moved in so 
doing, it shall be replaced without penalty; (4) any loose im¬ 
pediment may be lifted from the putting-green; (3) the player 
shall be entitled to find his ball as provided for by Rule 22. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole, and the 
loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition, 

A recognized water hazard cannot be “out of bounds.” (R. & A.) 

Rill F 9R When a ball is in water, a player may, without 
penalty, strike at it while it is moving, but he must 
not delay to make his stroke in order to allow the wind or current 
to better the position of the ball, under penalty of the loss of the 

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hole in Match Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Com¬ 
petition. 

RIJI F 97 (1) If a ball lie or t> e lost * n a recognized water 

KULH. Z.I hazard (whether the ball lie in water or not), or in 
casual water in a hazard, the player may drop a ball under penalty 
of one stroke in Match Play or Stroke Competition, either (a) 
behind the hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball crossed 
the margin of the hazard between himself and the hole, or (6) 
in the hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball entered the 
water between himself and the hole. 

Ice on the putting-green or through the green is considered “casual water.” 
(R. & A.) 

(2) If a ball lie or be lost in casual water through the green, 
the player may drop a ball without penalty within two club 
lengths of the margin, as near as possible to the spot where the 
ball lay, but not nearer to the hole. If a ball when dropped roll 
into the water, it may be redropped without penalty. 

(3) If a ball on the putting-green lie in casual water, or if casual 
water intervene between a ball lying on the putting-green and 
the hole, the ball may be played where it lies, or it may be lifted 
without penalty and placed by hand, either within two club 
lengths directly behind the spot from which the ball was lifted, 
or in the nearest position to that spot which is not nearer to the 
hole and which affords a putt to the hole without casual water 
intervening. 

(4) A ball lying so near to casual water that the water inter¬ 
feres with the player’s stance may be treated as if it lay in casual 
water, under the preceding section of this rule. 

(3) If it be impossible, from want of space in which to play, 
or from any other cause, for a player to drop a ball in conformity 
with Sections (1) and (2) of this rule, or to place it in conformity 
with Section (3), he shall “drop” or “place” as nearly as possible 
within the limits laid down in these sections, but not nearer to 
the hole. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

PUTTING-GREEN 

RULE 28 ^ Any loose impediment may be lifted from the 

putting-green, irrespective of the position of the 
player’s ball. If the player s ball, when on the putting-green, 
move after any loose impediment lying within six inches of it 
has been touched by the player, his partner, or either of their 
caddies, the player shall be deemed to have caused it to move 
and the penalty shall be one stroke, in both Match Play and 
Stroke Competition. 

(2) Dung, wormcasts, snow and ice may be scraped aside 
with a club, but the club must not be laid with more than its own 
weight upon the ground, nor must anything be pressed down 
either with the club or in any other way. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule in Match Play is the loss of the hole, 
and in Stroke Competition the loss of two strokes. 

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Under Rule 28 (1) the hand may in all cases be used to lift ‘‘Loose Impedi¬ 
ments.” In the case of certain ‘‘Loose Impediments” specified in Rule 28 (2), 
it is also permissible to make use of a club in order to scrape them aside. 
As loose leaves are not among these impediments specified in Rule 28 (2), 
they must be lifted. (R. & A.) 

(3) The line of the putt must not be touched, except by placing 
the club immediately in front of the ball in the act of addressing 
it, and as above authorized. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

It is not permissible to touch the ground behind the hole in order to point 
out the line of a put. (R. & A.) 

RULE 29 ^ ^ When the player s ball is on the putting-green, 

the player’s caddie, his partner, or his partner's 
caddie may, before the stroke is played, point out the direction 
for putting, but in doing this they shall not touch the ground on 
the proposed line of the putt. No mark shall be placed anywhere 
on the putting-green. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

(2) Any player or caddie engaged in the match may stand at 
the hole, but no player or caddie shall endeavor, by moving or 
otherwise, to influence the action of the wind upon the ball. A 
player is, however, always entitled to send his own caddie to 
stand at the hole while he plays his stroke. Either side may 
refuse to allow a person who is not engaged in the match to 
stand at the hole. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

RULE 30 When the player's ball lies on the putting-green, 
he shall not play until the opponent’s ball is at rest. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole in Match 
Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 

RULE 31 When the balls lie within six inches of each 

other on the putting-green (the distance to be 
measured from their nearest points), the ball lying nearer to the 
hole may, at the option of either the player or the opponent, 
be lifted until the other ball is played, and the lifted ball shall 
then be replaced as near as possible to the place where it lay. 
If either ball be accidentally moved in complying with this rule, 
no penalty shall be incurred, and the ball so moved shall be 
replaced. 

A player is laid a stymie if on the putting-green the opponent’s ball lies in 
the line of his putt to the hole, provided the balls be not within six inches of 
each other. 

(2) On the putting-green, if a player play when his opponent 
should have played, the stroke may be at once recalled by the 
opponent, and the ball replaced. 

NOTE—For a ball which is displaced on r putting-green see 
Rule 17 (2) and (3). For a player playing the opponent’s belli 
on the putting-green see Rule 20 (.1). For casual water on a 
putting-green see Rule 27 (3). 

1 1r 


RUI F “39 (1) Either side is entitled to have the flag-stick re¬ 

moved when approaching the hole; if a player’s ball 
strike the flag-stick, which has been so removed by himself, or hi3 
partner, or either of their caddies, his side shall lose the hole in 
Match Play, and the loss of two strokes in Stroke Competition. 
If the ball rest against the flag-stick which is in the hole, the 
player shall be entitled to remove the flag-stick, and, if the ball 
fall into the hole, the player shall be deemed to have holed out 
at his last stroke. 

In Stroke Competition when a ball lying within 20 yards of the hole is played 
and strikes, or is stopped by the flag-stick or the person standing at the hole, 
the penalty shall be two strokes. (R. & A.), 

(2) If the player’s ball knock the opponent’s ball into the hole, 
the opponent shall be deemed to have holed out at his last 
stroke. If the player’s ball move the opponent’s ball, the oppo¬ 
nent, if he choose, may replace it, but this must be done before 
another stroke is played by either side. If the player’s ball stop 
on the spot formerly occupied by the opponent's ball, and the 
opponent declare his intention to replace his ball, the player 
shall first play another stroke, after which the opponent shall 
replace and play his ball. 

See Rule 13, Rules for Stroke Competitions, for penalty in Stroke Compe- 
titions. 

(3) If the player has holed out and the opponent then plays to 
the lip of the hole, the player may not knock the ball away, but 
the opponent, if asked, shall play his next stroke without delay. 
The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the loss of the hole. 
If the opponent’s ball lie on the lip of the hole, the player, after 
holing out, may knock the ball ^way, claiming the hole if holing 
at the like, and the half if holing at the odd, provided that the 
player’s ball does not strike the opponent’s ball and set it in 
motion : if the player neglect to knock away the opponent’s ball, 
and it fall into the hole, the opponent shall be deemed to have 
holed out at his last stroke. 

RULE 33 Wh en a player has holed out and his opponent has 
been left with a stroke for the half, nothing that the 
player who has holed out can do shall deprive him of the half 
which he has already gained. 

GENERAL PENALTY 

RITIF Where no penalty for the breach of a rule is stated, 
the penalty shall be the loss of the hole. 

DISPUTES 

RULE 35 um P‘ re or referee, see Definition 22, when ap¬ 
pointed, shall take cognizance of any breach of 
rule that he may observe, whether he be appealed to on the 
point or not. 

RULE 36 ^ a dispute arise on any point, a claim must be 
made before the players strike off from the next 
teeing-ground, or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before 

12r 


they leave the putting-green. If no umpire or referee has been 
appointed, the players have the right of determining to whom 
the point shall be referred, but should they not agree, either side 
may have it referred officially through the secretary of the club, 
to the Executive Committee of the United States Golf Associa¬ 
tion, whose decision shall be final. If the point in dispute be 
not covered by the Rules of Golf, the arbiters shrill decide it by 
equity. If the players have agreed to an umpire or referee, they 
must abide by his decision. 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOCAL RULES 

When necessary, local rules should be made for such obstruc¬ 
tions as rushes, trees, hedges, fixed seats, fences, gates, railways, 
and walls, for such difficulties as rabbit scrapes, hoof marks and 
other damage caused to the course by animals, for such local 
conditions as the existence of mud which may be held to inter¬ 
fere with the proper playing of the game and for the penalty to 
be imposed in the case of a ball which lies out of bounds. When 
a ball is lifted under a local rule, as in the case of a ball lifted 
from a putting-green other than that of the hole which is being 
played, the Rules of Golf Committee recommends that if it is to 
be played from “through the green" it should be dropped ; if it 
is to be played on the putting-green of the hole that is being 
played, it should be placed. 

FORM AND MAKE OF GOLF CLUBS 

The United States Golf Association will not sanction any sub¬ 
stantial departure from the traditional and accepted form and 
make of golf clubs, which, in its opinion, consists of a plain 
shaft and a head which does not contain any mechanical con¬ 
trivance, such as springs.* It also regards as illegal the use of 
such clubs as those of the mallet-headed type, or such clubs as 
have the neck so bent as to produce a similar effect. 

The shaft of a putter may be fixed at the heel or at any other point in the 
head. 

The term mallet-headed, as above used, when applied to putters does not 
embrace putters of the so-called Schenectady type. (U. S. G. A.) 

* The use of Spalding’s Hollow Steel-Faced Clubs is permitted. 


ETIQUETTE OF GOLF 

1. No one should stand close to or directly behind the ball, 
move, or talk, when a player is making a stroke. On the putting- 
green no one should stand beyond the hole in the line of a 
player's stroke. 

2. The player who has the honour should be allowed to play 
before his opponent tees his ball. 

3. No player should play from the tee until the party in front 
have played their second strokes and are out of range, nor play 
up to the putting-green till the party in front have holed out and 
moved away. 


13r 



4. Players who have holed out should not try their putts over 
again when other players are following them. 

5. Players looking for a lost ball should allow other matches 
coming up to pass them ; they should signal to the players fol¬ 
lowing them to pass, and having given such a signal, they should 
not continue their play until these players have passed and are 
out of reach. 

6. Turf cut or displaced by a player should be at once re¬ 
placed and pressed down with the foot. 

7. A player should carefully fill up all holes made by himself 
in a bunker. 

8. Players should see that their caddies do not injure the 
holes by standing close to them when the ground is soft. 

9. A player who has incurred a penalty stroke should inti¬ 
mate the fact to his opponent as soon as possible. 


SPECIAL RULES FOR MATCH PLAY 
COMPETITIONS 

RULE 1 P’-rtting-green, if the competitor whose ball 

is the nearer to the hole play first, his ball shall be 
at once replaced. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be the disqualification of both 
competitors. 

RULE 2 ^ com P e * : * tor shall not waive any penalty incurred 

by his opponent,under penalty of the loss of the hole. 

RULE 3 Competitors shall not agree to exclude the operation 
of any Rule, or Local Rule, under penalty of dis¬ 
qualification. 

The Rules of Golf Committee recommends that players should 
not concede putts to their opponents. 1 he Executive Committee 
of the United States Golf Association recommends that in Match 
Play singles, three-fourths of the difference between the handi¬ 
caps be allowed, and that in Match Play foursomes, three-eighths 
of the difference of the combined handcaps be allowed. 


RULES FOR THREE-BALL, BEST BALL AND 
FOUR-BALL MATCHES 

DEFINITIONS 

(1) When three players play against each other, each playing 
his own ball, the match is called a three-ball match. 

(2) When one player plays his ball against the best ball of 
two or more players, the match is called a best ball match. 

(3) When two players play their better ball against the better 
ball of two other players, the match is called a four-ball match. 

14r 


GENERAL 

RULE 1 Any P la y er may have any ball in the match lifted 
or played, at the option of its owner, if he consider 
that it might interfere with or be of assistance to a player or side, 
but this should only be done before the player has played his 
stroke. 

RULE 2 If a P layer ’ s Ball move any other ball in the match, 
the moved ball must be replaced as near as pos¬ 
sible to the spot where it lay, without penalty. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule is the loss of the hole in Match Play and 
disqualification in Stroke Competition. 

RULE 3 Through the green a player shall incur no penalty 
for playing when an opponent should have done 
so, and the stroke shall not be recalled. On the putting-green 
the stroke may be recalled by an opponent, but no penalty shall 
be incurred. 

THREE-BALL MATCHES 

RULE 4 During a three-ball match if no player is entitled at 
a teeing-ground to claim the honour from both 
opponents, the same order of striking shall be followed as at the 
last teeing-ground. 

RULE 5 l n a three-ball match, if a player s ball strike, or be 
stopped, or moved by an opponent or an oppo¬ 
nent’s caddie, or clubs, that opponent shall lose the hole to the 
player. As regards the other opponent the occurrence shall be 
treated as a rub of the green. 

BEST BALL AND FOUR-BALL MATCHES 

RIII F fi Balls belonging to the same side may be played in 
the order the side deems best. 

RIII F 7 If a player’s ball strike, or be stopped, or moved 
by an opponent or an opponent’s caddie, or clubs, 
the opponent’s side shall lose the hole in Match Play. 

In Stroke Competition it is a rub of the green, and the ball shall be played 
from where it lies, except as provided for in Stroke Rule 13 (1). See Stroke 
Rule 10 (1). 

RIII F ft If a Pl ayer ’ s Ball (the player being one of a side) 
strike or be stopped by himself, or his partner, or 
either of their caddies or clubs, only that player shall be dis¬ 
qualified for that hole. 

Rl ii f a If a player play a stroke with his partner’s ball, and 

KUL » the mistake be discovered and intimated to the 
other side before an opponent has played another stroke, the 
player shall be disqualified for that hole, and his partner shall 
drop a ball as near as possible to the spot from which his ball 
was played, without penalty. If the mistake be not. discovered 
till after the opponent has played a stroke, the player’s side shall 
lose the hole in Match Play and the player who violated this rule 
shall be disqualified for that hole in Stroke Competition. 

15r 


dtti r in I n other cases where a player would by the 
KUL Rules of Golf incur the loss of the hole, he shall be 

disqualified for that hole, but the disqualification shall not apply 
to his partner. 


SPECIAL RULES FOR STROKE 
COMPETITIONS 

RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF STROKE 
COMPETITIONS 

Wherever the word Committee is used in these Rules, it refers 
to the Committee in charge of the Competition. 

RIT1F 1 ( I ) In Stroke Competitions the competitor who holes 

u the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes 

shall be the winner. 

The Rules of Golf Committee is of opinion that it is hardly possible to play 
Match and Score Play at the same time in a satisfactory manner, or without 
infringing rules. (R. &A.) 

(2) Competitors shall play in couples ; if from any cause there 
be a single competitor, the Committee shall either provide him 
with a player who shall mark for him, or select a marker for him 
and allow him to compete alone. The order and times of starting 
should, when possible, be determined by ballot. 

Stroke Rule 1 (2) does not permit more than two competitors to play together. 

. (R. & A.) 

(3) Competitors should strike off from the first tee in the order 
in which their names appear upon the starting list. There¬ 
after the honour should be taken as in match play, but if a com¬ 
petitor by mistake play out of turn, no penalty shall be incurred, 
and the stroke cannot be recalled. 

RULE 2 Competitors shall start in the order and at the 

times arranged by the Committee. They shall not 
discontinue play nor delay to start on account of bad weather, or 
for any other reason whatever, except such as the Committee 
may consider satisfactory. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be disqualification. 

(2) If the Committee consider that the course is not in a play¬ 
able condition, or that insufficient light renders the proper playing 
of the game impossible, it shall at any time have power to declare 
the day’s play null and void. 

RULE 3 ^ tbe l° wes * : sccres be made by two or more com¬ 

petitors, the tie or ties shall be decided by another 
round to be played on the same day; but if the Committee deter¬ 
mine that this is inexpedient or impossible, it shall appoint a day 
and time for the decision of the tie or ties. 

Should an ur even number of competitors tie, their names shall 
be drawn by ballot and placed upon a list; the competitors shall 
then play in couples in the order in which their names appear. 

16 r 


The single competitor shall be provided for by ^he Committee, 
either under Rule I (2), or by allowing three competitors to play 
together, if their unanimous consent has been obtained. 

RULE 4 ^ New holes should be made on the day on 

which Stroke Competitions begin. 

(2) On the day of the competition, before starting, no com¬ 
petitor shall play on, or on to, any of the putting-greens, nor 
shall he intentionally play at any hole of the stipulated round 
which is within his reach, under penalty of disqualification. 

When a competition is continued on two or more days, competitors who 
practice on the second or following days cannot be deemed to have infringed 
Stroke Rule 4 <2), which refers to play “before starting,’’ i. e., before the 
player starts in the competition. (R. & A.) 

RULE 5 ^ The score for each hole shall be kept by a 

marker or by each competitor noting the other’s 
score. Should more than one marker keep a score, each shall 
sign the part of the score for which he is responsible. The scores 
should be called out after each hole. On completion of the stipu¬ 
lated round the card shall be signed by the person who has 
marked it, and the competitor shall see that it is handed in as 
as soon as reasonably possible. The penalty for a breach of this 
rule shall be disqualification. Scoring card should be issued with 
the date and the player’s name entered on the card. 

A caddie cannot be considered a “marker.’ Under urgent and exceptional 
conditions, however, the Committee may alter this interpretation. (R. & A.) 

(2) Competitors must satisfy themselves before the cards are 
handed in that the scores for each hole are correctly marked, as 
no alteration can be made on any card after it has been returned. 
If it be found that a competitor has returned a score lower than 
that actually played, he shall be disqualified. For the additions 
of the scores marked the Committee shall be responsible. 

(3) If, on the completion of the stipulated round, a player is 
doubtful whether he has incurred a penalty at any hole, he may 
enclose his scoring card with a written statement of the circum¬ 
stances to the Committee, who shall decide what penalty, if any, 
has been incurred. 


RULES FOR PLAY IN STROKE 
COMPETITIONS 

RIII F fi ^ competitor shall not ask for nor willingly receive 
advice from anyone except his caddie. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be disqualification, 

PIIIF 7 (0 Competitors should strike off from the first teeing 

KULfc. / ground in the order in which their names appear 
upon the starting list. Thereafter the honour shall be taken as 
in Match Play, but if a competitor, by mistake, play out of turn, 
no penalty shall be incurred, and the stroke cannot be recalled. 

17r 


(2) If at any hole a competitor play his first stroke from outside 
the limits of the teeing-ground, he shall count that stroke, tee a 
ball, and play his second stroke from within these limits. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be disqualification. 

PUIP „ (1) A competitor must hole out with his own ball 

at every hole. The penalty for a breach of this 
rule shall be disqualification. 

(2) If a competitor play a stroke with a ball other than his 
own he shall incur no penalty, provided he then play his own 
ball; but if he plays two consecutive strokes with a wrong ball, 
he shall be disqualified. 

(3) In a hazard if a competitor play more than one stroke with 
a ball other than his own, and the mistake be discovered before 
he has played a stroke with the wrong ball from outside the limits 
of the hazard, he shall incur no penalty provided he then play 
his own ball. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be disqualification. 

RULE 9 ^ 3 com P e,; ’tor’s ball strike or be stopped by him¬ 

self, his clubs or his caddie, the penalty shall be one 
stroke, except as provided for in Stroke Rule 13 (1). 

RULE 10 If a competitor’s ball strike or be stoppted by 
another competitor, or his clubs, or his caddie, it is 
a rub of the green, and the ball shall be played from where it lies, 
except as provided for in Stroke Rule 13(1). If a competitor’s 
ball which is at rest be accidentally moved by another competitor, 
or his caddie, or his clubs, or his ball, or any outside agency 
except wind, it shall be replaced as near as possible to the spot 
where it lay. 

The penalty for a breach of this rule shall be disqualification. 

(2) A competitor may have any other player’s ball played or 
lifted, at the option of its owner, if he finds that it interferes with 
his play. 

RULE 11 (D If a player lift a ball in accordance with this 
rule, he shall tee and play a ball behind the place 
from which the ball was lifted; if this be impossible, he shall tee 
and play a ball as near as possible to the place from which the 
ball was lifted, but not nearer to the hole. In preparing a tee as 
above authorized, the player is exempted from the restrictions 
imposed by Rule 15. 

The penalty for a breach of this section of the rule shall be disqualification. 

(2) For the purpose of identification, a competitor may at any 
time lift and carefully replace his ball in the presence of the 
player with whom he is competing. 

The penalty for a breach of this section of the rule shall be one stroke. 

I8r 


RULE 12 ^ a k e "lost” (except in water, casual water or 
out of bounds), the competitor shall, whether he 
has played from ‘‘through the green” or from a hazard, return 
as near as possible to the spot from which the ball was struck, 
and there tee a ball under penalty of one stroke. [Under this 
rule a ball shall only be considered lost, when it has not been 
found after a search of five minutes.] 

It is usual to frame local rules for Special Hazards in the following- way, viz. : 

“If a ball lie or be lost in," etc., or to treat the hazard as “out of bounds.’’ 

(R. & A.) 

RULE 13 ^ When a competitor’s ball lying within twenty 

yards of the hole is played and strikes or is stopped 
by the flag-stick or the person standing at the hole, the penalty 
shall be two strokes. 

Neglect on the part of the person standing at the hole does not exempt the 

competitor from incurring the penalty. (R. & A.) 

(2) When both balls are on the putting-green, if a competitor’s 
ball strike the ball of the player with whom he is competing, the 
competitor shall incur a penalty of one stroke, and the ball which 
was struck shall be at once replaced ; see Stroke Rule 10 (1). 

(3) The competitor whose ball is the farther from the hole 
may have the ball which is nearer to the hole lifted or played at 
the option of its owner. If the latter refuse to comply with this 
rule when requested to do so, he shall be disqualified. 

(4) If the competitor whose ball is the nearer to the hole con¬ 
sider that his ball might be of assistance to the player with whom 
he is competing, he should lift it or play first. 

(5) If the competitor whose ball is the nearer to the hole lift 
his ball while the player’s ball is in motion, he shall incur a 
penalty of one stroke. 

(6) If a competitor or his caddie pick up his ball from the 
putting-green before it is holed out (except as provided for 
above), he shall, before he has struck off from the next tee, or, 
in the case of the last hole on the ground, before he has left the 
putting-green, be permitted to replace the ball under penalty of 
two strokes. 

RITI F 14 Where in the Rules of Golf the penalty for the 

KULfc. *** breach of any rule is the loss of the hole, in Stroke 
Competitions the penalty shall be the loss of two strokes, except 
where otherwise provided for in these Special Rules. 

oitif ie The Rules of Golf, so far as they are not at variance 

KULfc. lb t h ese Special Rules, shall apply to Stroke 

Competitions. 

p ... - .. If a dispute arise on any point it shall be decided 

KULfc. lb ky. t h e Committee, whose decision shall be final, 
unless an appeal be made to the Executive Committee, a9 pro¬ 
vided for in Rule 36. 


19r 


RULES FOR BOGEY COMPETITIONS 

A Bogey Competition is a series of Stroke Competitions in 
which play is against a fixed score at each hole of the stipulated 
round or rounds, and the winner is the competitor who is 
most successful in the aggregate of these competitions. The 
Rules for Stroke Competitions shall apply with the following 
exceptions : 

1— Any hole for which a competitor makes no return shall be 
regarded as a loss. The marker shall only be responsible 
for the marking of the correct number of strokes at each 
hole at which a competitor makes a score either equal to 
or less than the fixed score. 

2— Any breach of rule which entails the penalty of disquali¬ 
fication shall only disqualify the competitor for the hole at 
which the breach occurred; but a competitor shall not be 
exempted from the general disqualification imposed by 
Stroke Rules 2 (.1), 4 (2) and 5(1) and (2). 

NOTE—A scale showing the handicap allowance and in¬ 
dicating the holes at which strokes are to be given or taken 
shall be printed on the back of every scoring card. 

The United States Golf Association recommends that 
clubs continue to follow the custom of allowing each com¬ 
petitor three-quarters of his full handicap. 

U.S.G.A. PAR DISTANCES 

Holes up to 225 yards.Par is 3 

Holes from 226 to 425 yards. . . . Par is 4 

Holes from 426 to 600 yards . . . Par is 5 

Holes 601 yards and upwards. . , Par is 6 


20r 



How’s Your Game ? 


If it’s off, you will not feel like telling 
your opponent, but there is no harm 
in telling a Golf expert that you are 
not quite satisfied with your sticks—or 
ball —or stance—or whatever you may 
suspect. 

We have lived with Golf—as we have 
with Tennis, Base Ball and all the great 
games since they began to play their 
part in the outdoor life of this country. 
What we have learned—as well as 
what we make—is yours to command. 

The International house of Spalding 
takes care of a good many people in 
America—in Britain (including stores 
in Edinburgh and Glasgow)—in the 
Colonies—and, in these latter days, in 
France. It has all come about because 
we have done our best to take care of 
each one and his—or her—particular 
needs. , 









New York 
Newark, N. J, 
Philadelphia 
Boston 


Buffalo 

Rochester 

Syracuse 

Albany 


Baltimore 
W ashington 
Pittsburgh 
Atlanta 

Detroit 

Cincinnati 

Cleveland 

Columbus 

Louisville 
Kansas City 
Minneapolis 
St. Paul 


A Good Putt 

is as good as a good drive—when 
the strokes are counted. For 
accurate putting we suggest an 
“Offset” putter—the weight cen¬ 
ters in center of shaft, and it 
automatically sets itself. 

Give the Hole a Chance 

is an axiom of Golf. And yet 
of what value is good putting if 
you cannot get distance to your 
drive. Thejacobus-Rigdenhasit. 

In a Hole 

is rather paradoxical — at least to 
a Golfer— he tries to get out of 
one kind to get in another. 
“Never up, never in” — and to 
help you “ be up,” we offer on 
the opposite page a dozen “sug¬ 
gestions.” mn 

We might go on indefinitely tell¬ 
ing of “ what’s what ” in Golf, but 
a Spalding Golf Catalogue is de¬ 
signed for that purpose and tells 
about and illustrates all the latest 
improvements. A copy can be 
obtained at any Spalding store 
or will be mailed on request. 


Dozen 

$6.00 

7.50 

7.50 

7.50 


Twelve “Suggestions” 

No. I. Spalding*Red Dot Ball—• 

Floats in water. Light. 

No. 2. Spalding*Glory Bramble Ball— 
Red-White-Blue Dot. Floats. Light. 

No. 3. Spalding*Glory Dimple Ball— 
Red-White-Blue Dot. Floats. Light. 

No. 4. Spalding’Oomino Dimple Ball — 

Four Black Dots. Sinks. Heavy. 

The above are Large Size balfc. Nos. 1 . 2 and 
3 are for moderate hitters,soft turf conditions, 
water holes. No. U for distance players and, 
long roll, hard turf, use in wind, steadiness on 
greens. 

No. 5. Spalding*Domino Bramble Ball- 
One Black Dot. Sinks. Heavy. 

No. 6. Spalding*Domino Dimple Ball- 
Four Light Blue Dots. Sinks. Heavy. 

No. 7. Spalding*Domino Dimple Ball— 

Four Red Dots. Floats. Very Light. 

The above are Medium Size balls. Nos. 5 and 
6 are for long distance, use in wind, fairly 
hard turf conditions and for the player who 
wishes to combine the advantages of both ex¬ 
tremes in sizes. No. 7 is especially adapted 
for ladies and light hitters generally, water 
holes and accurate “ holding ” of greens or 
short holes. 

No. 8. Spalding*Baby Bramble Ball— 

One Blue Dot. Sinks. Medium. . . 7.50 


Less Than Dozen 
Prices : 

On Nos. 1 and 12 
balls— 

6 balls . $3.00 
3 balls . 1.50 

1 ball . .50 

On Nos. 2,3,4,5. 
6,7,8,9,10 and 11 
balls— 

6 balls . $3.75 
3 balls . 1.10 

1 ball . .65 



Chicago 
St. Louis 
Milwaukee 
Indianapolis 

San Francisco 
Seattle 
Los Angeles 
Portland, Ore. 


No. 9. Spalding*Baby Dimple Ball 
Two Red, 2 Blue Dots. Sinks. Medium. 7.50 

No. 10. Spalding*Midget Bramble Ball — 

Green-White-Orange Dot. Sinks. Heavy. 7.50 

No. 1 1. Spald:ng*Midget Dimple Ball— 

2 Green, 2 Orange Dots. Sinks. Heavy. 7.50 

No. 12. Spalding*Green Dot Ball — 

One Green Dot. S.nks. Heavy. . . 6.00 

The above are Small Size balls. Nos. 8 and 
9 are for the average distance pla/yer who 
prefers this size ball, good in wind and on 
almost amt turf. Nos. 10, 11 and 12 a,re for 
extreme distance in carry and roll and espec¬ 
ially for long-players, excellent in heavy wind 
and on smooth hard courses. 

("Indicates Reg. U. S. Pat. Off.) 


New Orleans 
Dallas 
Denver 
Salt Lake City 

London 

Liverpool 

Birmingham 

Manchester 

Edinburgh 

Glasgow 

Montreal 

Toronto 

Sydney 

Paris 



A few pages back we spoke of the 
International house of Spalding in sport. 
Now, we would call attention to a new 
department—“Coverley Clothes’ made 
by London’s best sporting tailors—for 
Country Life wear and particularly for 
Golf. The “Filmer” and “Beresford” 
golfing suits, suits of tropical weight, 
handsome and exclusive patterns in 
hosiery, special shoes—for Men. The 
“Lancaster’’ Cape, coats for motoring 
and travel, sweater coats of Scotch, Swiss 
and French weaves, shoes for Women. 
These are but a few of th.e items. A 
handsome catalogue, al'l in color, is well 
worth sending for. 

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 

Coverley Headquarters, 
520 Fifth Avenue, New York. 


HAZARDS AND CASUAL WATER 


RULE 25 

When a ball lies in or touches a hazard, Rule as to 
improving its lie? As to grounding club ? As to touch¬ 
ing or moving anything before striking at ball ? 

(1) In last case, exceptions as to a player s securing 
a firm stance; (2) touching any grass, bent, bush or 
other growing substance, or the side of a bunker, wall, 
paling, or other immovable obstacle, while addressing 
the ball, or in the backward or forward swing; (3) re¬ 
moving steps or planks placed for access to or egress 
from such hazard, or any other obstruction mentioned 
in Rule 11. Rule if ball move during such removal? 
(4) Lifting loose impediment from putting-green; (5) 
finding his ball as provided for by Rule 22 ? Penalty for 
breach of Rule ? Can a recognized water hazard be “out 
of bounds” ? RULE 26 

As to striking at a ball moving in water ? Penalty when ? 


RULE 27 

(1) Rule as to a ball lying or lost (a) in a recognized 
water hazard ? (b) in casual water in a hazard ? 

How is ice on putting-green or “through the green” 
regarded ? 




13 







(2) Rule as to a ball lying or 
lost in casual water "through 
the green.” What if ball when 
dropped roll into the water ? 

(3) Rule if a ball lie in casual 
water on the putting-green or 
if casual water intervene bet¬ 
ween a ball on the putting- 
green and the hole ? 

(4) If a ball on putting- 
green lies so near casual 
water that this interferes with 
player’s stance? 

(3) If it be impossible from want of space in which to 
play, or from any other cause, for a player to drop a ball in 
conformity with Sections (1) and (2) of this Rule, or to place 
it in conformity with Section (3) ? Penalty for breach of 

PUTTING-GREEN 

RULE 28 

(1) Rule as to removal of loose 
impediments from putting-green? 

Penalty in Match Play if ball move 
after such impediment within six in¬ 
ches of ball has been touched by the 
player, his partner, or either of their 
caddies ? In Stroke Competition ? 

(2) As to removal of dung, 
wormcasts, snow and ice ? Penalty ? 
How must leaves be removed ? 

(3) Rule as to touching line of putt? 
Penalty for breach of Rule ? 

As to touching ground behind the 
hole in order to point out line of putt? 

RULE 29 

(1) Who may point out the line of 
putt ? Rule as to touching line of putt ? 
As to placing a mark on the putting- 
green ? Penalty for breach of Rule? 
14 






























(2) Who may stand at the 
hole ? Rule as to shielding ball 
from action of the wind ? 
As to a player’s right to 
send his own caddie 
to stand at the hole ? 
As to either side’s right 
to refuse to allow a 
person not engaged in 
, the match to stand at 
the hole? Penalty? 
RULE 30 

Penalty for playing ball lying 
on putting-green before opponent’s ball is at rest? 


RULE 31 



(1) Rule as to balls lying within six inches of each 
other on putting-green? How is distance between balls 
measured ? What if either ball is accidentally moved ? 

Define Stymie ? 

(2) Rule as to playing out of turn on the putting-green? 
(But see Rule 1 of Special 
Rules for Match Play.) 

NOTE.— For a ball which 
is displaced on putting- 
green, see Rule 17 (2) and 
(3). For a player playing 
opponent’s ball 
on the putting- 
green, see 
Rule 20 ( 1 ). 

For casual 


water on put¬ 
ting-green, see 

Rule 27 (3). 

RULE 32 

(1) Rule as to removal of 
flag - stick in Match Play ? 
Penalty in Match Play if the 

15 





























ball strike flag-stick so removed ? In Stroke Com¬ 
petition ? 

Rule as to ball resting against flag-stick in hole ? 

Penalty in Stroke Competition if a ball lying within 
20 yards of the hole is played and strikes flag-stick or 
the person standing at the hole? See Rule 13 (1) for 
Stroke Competitions. 

(2) Rule as to player’s ball knocking opponent’s 
ball into hole ? 

As to player’s ball moving opponent’s ball ? 

As to player’s ball stopping on spot formerly occupied 
by opponent’s ball ? 

See Rule 13 of Rules for Stroke Competitions for pen¬ 
alty in Stroke Competition. 

(3) Ball on lip of hole: (a) Rule if player has holed 

out and opponent then plays to lip of hole ? Penalty 
for breach of this Rule ? (b) If opponent’s ball lies on 

lip of hole and player then holes out ? (c) If player 

neglect to knock away opponent’s ball and it fall into hole? 


RULE 33 

Rule as to loss of hole qualified by half previously 
gained ? 

GENERAL PENALTY 

RULE 34 

Where no penalty for 
the breach of a Rule is 
stated, what shall the 
penalty be? 

DISPUTES 

RULE 35 

Duties of umpire or 
of referee ? 




16 






RULE 36 

If disputes arise, when shall claims 
be made ? By whom shall disputes be 
decided ? In case a referee has pre¬ 
viously been agreed upon ? 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOCAL 
RULES 

Local Rules are recommended as to 
what special obstructions and special conditions ? As 
to ball lying out of bounds? 

When, under Local Rules, is it recommended that 
ball be dropped? When placed? 

FORM AND MAKE OF GOLF CLUBS 

What form of Golf Clubs is not sanctioned ? Ruling 
as to clubs of the mallet headed type ? Ruling of the 
U. S. G. A. as to the Schenectady type of putter? 

ETIQUETTE OF GOLF 

(1) Rule as to anyone’s standing close to or directly 
behind the ball or moving or talking when a player is 
making a stroke? As to anyone’s standing on the putting- 
green, beyond the hole, in the line of a player’s stroke ? 

(2) As to a player who has the honour 
being allowed to play before his op¬ 
ponent tees his ball? 

(3) As to a player from 
tee waiting until the 
match in front have 
played their second 
strokes and are out of 
range; or, upon the put¬ 
ting-green, have holed 
out and moved away ? 






17 








(4) As to trying over putts ? 

(5) As to players looking tor a lost ball 
signaling the players following to pass, etc. 

(6) As to replacing turf? 

(7) As to a player’s filling up holes 
made by him in a bunker? 

(8) As to caddies injuring holes by stand¬ 
ing close to them when ground is soft? 

(9) As to a player who has incurred a penalty stroke 
informing his opponent thereof as soon as possible ? 




SPECIAL RULES FOR MATCH PLAY 

RULE 1 

Rule if player whose ball is nearer to hole play first ? 
Penalty? (But see Rule 31 (2) for Match Play.) 

RULE 2 

Rule as to a competitor’s waiving any penalty in¬ 
curred by his opponent? Penalty? 

RULE 3 

Rule as to competitor’s agreeing to excuse operation 
of any Rule or Local Rule? Penalty? Recommendations 
of Rules Committee as to conceding putts ? As to allow¬ 
ance of strokes in Match Play singles ? In foursomes ? 

RULES FOR THREE-BALL, BEST 
BALL AND FOUR-BALL 
MATCHES 
DEFINITIONS 

(1) Define three-ball 
match ? 

(2) Define best ball 
match ? 

(3) Define four- 
ball match ? 

GENERAL 

RULE 1 

Rule as to lifting 
any ball at option of 
owner ? 



18 
































RULE 2 

Rule if player’s ball move any other ball in the match? 
Penalty? RULE 3 

Rule as to playing out of turn “through the green” ? 
On the putting-green? 

THREE-BALL MATCHES 
RULE 4 

Rule as to honour if no player is 
entitled to claim it from both op¬ 
ponents ? 

RULE 5 

Rule if a player’s ball strike, or 
be stopped, or moved by an opponent 
or an opponent’s caddie or clubs ? 

As regards the other opponent ? 

BEST BALL AND FOUR-BALL 
MATCHES 
RULE 6 

Order of playing balls belonging to 
same side ? 

RULE 7 

Rule if a player’s ball strike, or be 
stopped, or moved by an opponent or 
an opponent’s caddie, or clubs? (For ex¬ 
ceptions, see Stroke Rules 10 (l)and 13 (1).) 

RULE 8 

Rule if a player’s ball strike, or be stopped 
by himself, or his partner, or either of their 
caddies or clubs ? 

RULE 9 

Rule if a player play a stroke with his 
partner’s ball and (a) the mistake be discovered and made 
known before an opponent play another stroke ? (b) the 
mistake be discovered after an opponent has played? 
Penalty? RULE 10 

Rule in all other cases in which by the Rules of Golf 
a player might incur the loss of the hole (a) as to the 
player; (b) as to his partner? 

19 





SPECIAL RULES FOR STROKE COMPETITIONS 

RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF STROKE 
COMPETITIONS 

Definition of the word Committee as used in these 
Rules ? 

RULE 1 

(1) In Stroke Competitions what competitor wins? 
According to the ruling of the Royal and Ancient 

Golf Club of St. Andrews, is it possible to play Match 
and Score Play at the same time in a satisfactory man¬ 
ner, or without infringing rules? 

(2) Rule as to competitors playing in couples? As 
to a single competitor? As to order and times of start¬ 
ing? Does this rule permit more than two competi¬ 
tors to play together? 

(3) Rule as to order 
of starting? As to the 
honour thereafter? As 
to a competitor’s play¬ 
ing out of turn? 


RULE 2 

Rule as to competitors start¬ 
ing in the order and at the times 
arranged by the Committee ? 

As to delaying to start and as to 
discontinuing play on account 
of bad weather or any other 
reason ? Penalty for a breach 
of this Rule ? 

(2) Rule as to course being 
regarded as unplayable? As 
to darkness? 

RULE 3 

How shall ties be decided? In 
case an odd number of competi¬ 
tors tie ? 

What provision is made for an 
odd competitor? 

20 











RULE 4 

(1) Rule as to making new holes on day of 
competition ? 

(2) Rule as to playing on or toward any green of 
the stipulated round on day of the competition ? 

When a competition is continued on two or 
more days? 


RULE 5 

(1) The scores—by whom marked and attested? 
Rule as to handing in ? 

Penalty for breach of this rule ? 

Recommendation as to issuing score-cards? Can 
a caddie be considered as a “marker”? 

(2) May a card be altered after it has been 
returned? Penalty for returning a score lower than 
actually played? 

Who is responsible for the 
additions of scores ? 

(3) Who decide doubtful 
penalties ? 

RULES FOR PLAY IN 

STROKE COMPETITIONS 


RULE 6 

whom may a player 
receive advice? Penalty for 
breach of this Rule ? 


From 


RULE 7 

(1) Order of starting from first 
tee? Honour thereafter? Penalty 
for playing out of turn? May 
stroke be recalled ? 

(2) Rule as to play¬ 
ing outside of limits 
of teeing ground ? 

Penalty therefor ? 

Penalty for breach of this Rule ? 

21 



O 















RULE 8 

(1) Rule as to competitor holing out 
at every hole with his own ball ? Penalty 
for breach of this Rule? 

(2) Rule if a competitor play a stroke 
with a ball other than his own ? Penalty? 

Penalty if he play two consecutive strokes 
with a wrong ball ? 

(3) Exception if a competitor play more 
than one stroke with a wrong ball in a 
hazard and the mistake be discovered 
before he play a stroke outside the limits 
of the hazard ? Penalty for a breach of 
this Rule? 

RULE 9 

Penalty if a competitor’s ball strike or be stopped by 
himself, his clubs, or his caddie? Exception on putting- 
green? See Stroke Rule 13 (1). 

RULE 10 

(1) Rule if a competitor’s ball strike or be stopped 
by another competitor or his clubs, or his caddie? Ex¬ 
ception on putting-green, provided for in Stroke Rule 
13 (1). Rule if a competitor’s ball which is at rest be 
accidentally moved by another competitor, or his caddie, 
or his clubs, or his ball, or any outside agency except 
the wind? Penalty for a breach of this Rule? 

(2) Rule as to a competitor having any other player’s 

ball lifted or played, at the option 
of its owner, if it interfere with 
his play ? 

RULE 11 

(1) Rule as to ‘‘lifting’’ 
a ball from any place on the 
course ? Restrictions under 
which it SHALL BE TEED? 
Penalty for a breach of this Rule ? 
(2) Rule as to lifting a ball 

22 










for purpose of identification ? Penalty ? 
RULE 12 

Rule if a ball be “lost” (except in water, 
casual water, or out of bounds)? 

Shall a ball be dropped or teed ? 
(Under this Rule, when shall a ball be 
considered lost?) 

RULE 13 

(1) Penalty when a competitor’s ball 
lying within twenty yards of the hole is 
played and strikes or is stopped by the 
flag-stick or the person at the hole ? 

Does neglect on part of person standing at 
hole exempt player from incurring penalty? 

(2) Rule, when both balls are on putting- 
green, if a competitor’s ball strike the other 
player’s? Penalty? See Stroke Rule 10 (1). 

(3) Rule as to the right of player whose 
ball lies farther from the hole to have the ball lying nearer 
the hole lifted or played at the option of its owner? 
Rule if the owner refuse to comply with request of player? 

(4) Rule if competitor whose ball is the nearer to the 
hole consider it may be of assistance to the player ? 

(5) Penalty if competitor lift his ball while the player’s 
ball is in motion? 

(6) Rule and penalty in case a competitor or his cad¬ 

die pick up his ball before it is holed out at any green ? 
At last green? RULE 14 

Where the penalty in Match Play for the breach of any 
rule is loss of the hole, what is 
the penalty in Stroke Competi¬ 
tions,unless otherwiseprovided 
for in these Special Rules ? 

RULE 15 

Applicability of the Rules of 
Golf to Stroke Competitions ? 

RULE 16 

Rule as to the decision of disputes? 

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RULES FOR BOGEY COMPETITIONS 

What is a Bogey Competition ? 

The Rules for Stroke Competitions shall apply, with 
the following exceptions : 

(1) Rule as to a hole for which a competitor makes 
no return? 

(a) At what holes only shall the marker be responsi¬ 
ble for the marking of the correct number of strokes ? 

(2) To what extent shall the breach of a rule which 
entails the penalty of disqualification, disqualify a player ? 

He is not exempt from the general disqualification 
imposed by Stroke Rules 2 (1), 4 (2) and 5 (1) and (2). 

NOTE—Recommendation as to a stroke-table on 
score-card and as to the ratio of allowances of strokes 
to competitors? 



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